DVC Newscast

Pete, Sue, and Jen discuss the proposed Disney Vacation Club dues for 2023, which are up between 4-8% for most resorts. Additionally, Disney Vacation Club has announced two new firework events for members - Enchantment at the Top and Enchantment Fireworks Cruise! The Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT will also begin to be offered to members beginning December 6th. N096

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Vacation Club revealed the proposed annual dues for 2023. Dues increased between 4-8% at most resorts, with operating costs as the primary driver. While these annual dues are preliminary, they are expected to be formally approved by the Disney Vacation Club Board of Directors during the Condo Association Meeting on December 8, 2022. 

Source: DVCNews.com

Beginning November 18th, Top of the World Lounge - A Villains Lair is introducing Enchantment at the Top Dessert Party. Scheduled for Friday nights, the event features a buffet of dessert items, alcoholic beverages and reserved seating for the nightly fireworks presentation for a fee of $89.00 per adult and $49.00 per child age 3-9. Check-in begins 90 minutes prior to the scheduled Magic Kingdom fireworks. 

Enchantment at the Top replaces the Wicked Wind Down event on Friday nights. Wicked Wind Down will continue to be presented Saturday through Thursday nights.  Both events can be reserved 60 days in advance by calling Disney Vacation Club Member Services.

Source: DVCNews.com, Disney Vacation Club Website

Beginning Tuesday, December 6th, the complimentary Soarin’ Around the World behind the scenes tour resumes.  The tour, which is held from 7:15 AM to 8:15 AM, starts with learning about the original vision of the Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow (EPCOT). Walt’s vision focused on bringing people from all backgrounds and cultures together to work towards a brighter future. After discovering the cultural connection of the Soarin’ adventure and the technology behind it, the tour will end with a VIP ride on the attraction.

The total party size of each tour is five (Member plus 4) and guests must be at least 16 years of age. Some blockout dates may apply. Eligible Members with access to Membership Extras can call Member Services book this tour.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Beginning on April 27th, Members can enjoy amazing views of the fabulous Magic Kingdom fireworks from a special cruise. This magical experience includes:

This is not a private experience and each event can accommodate up to several parties. The cruise includes 2 boats, with 10 passengers per boat. The cruise will be offered on Wednesday evenings and will depart 1 hour prior to the fireworks from the Boat Nook at Disney's Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Pricing is $85 per person, plus tax. Eligible members can call Member Services to book.

Source: Disney Vacation Club website

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon, Pete, and Sue discuss numerous recent reports of Disney Vacation Club direct prices increasing in early December and the announcement of the Extended Evening Hours to continue for 2023 for guests staying at eligible Walt Disney World hotels. Disney also revealed a reopening date for Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park after an extended refurbishment, and Disney Cruise Line removed the COVID-19 testing requirement regardless of vaccination status. N095

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

There have been repeated posts of DVC direct guides indicating to clients that the pricing on all the currently for sale DVC resorts will be increasing by $10 in early December - more specifically December 4th. Base price would go from $207 to $217  per point. While it is not unusual for guides to get hints at changes before they are in place, it is rare that this information would come out so far in advance of a date. 

We normally do not share rumors on the DVC Newscast, but in this case with information coming from multiple cast members, we felt that we should share. This would apply to Disney's Riviera Resort, Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas. It is not known if any of the older resort direct prices would be affected. 

Source: Various

Walt Disney World announced that the popular extended evening hours benefit for guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels will continue beyond the 50th Anniversary celebration throughout all of 2023. There are currently no dates or times yet listed after December 28th, but it is expected these dates will be updated with the Walt Disney World calendar update.

Source: Walt Disney World Website

Last week Disney announced that Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park will be reopening for the first time in 10 months after an extended refurbishment. A new inner tube return system has been added for Runoff Rapids and a Frozen theme to Tike's Peak.  The park will re-open on November 13th for guests to visit from 10 AM to 5 PM. Parks hours are shown on the Walt Disney World calendar through December 30th.

It has also been announced that Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be closing for its annual refurbishment on November 13th as well. It is not known at this time whether we will see another closure of Blizzard Beach this winter, or if instead Typhoon Lagoon will get an extended closure. 

Source: Walt Disney World Website

Disney Cruise Line announced that guests would no longer be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a ship, regardless of their vaccination status.

The official Disney Cruise Line website said the requirement would go into effect starting November 14th for all sailings from the United States.  Unvaccinated passengers still have to test negative before boarding prior to November 14th.

Previously, Disney Cruise Line had required guests 5 years or older to provide a negative COVID-19 test one to two days before their sail date.

Disney Cruise Line says guests booked on impacted sailings through January 31st can modify or cancel by November 13th without any cancellation fees. The standard cancellation policy resumes for changes made on or after November 14th.

Source: Disney Cruise Line

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete and Jen discuss the new Disney Vacation Club event, Halloween Meet & Treat and the long-awaited announcement of a reopening date for Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Three popular restaurants are returning in early November: Tusker House Restaurant buffet, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Kona Cafe. Pete and Jen also discuss reports that a few character meet and greets throughout Walt Disney World have been removed from the schedule, likely due to staffing issues. N094

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Vacation Club announced a new complimentary event called Halloween Meet & Treat, presented as part of Membership Magic. The event will be held inside the Atlantic Dance Hall on Disney’s BoardWalk on October 21, 22, 28, and 29 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Eligible Members with a qualifying Disney Resort hotel reservation may attend only one event date per Membership in order to allow as many Members as possible to enjoy this event. No registration is required and admission is subject to capacity limits.

Source: Disney Vacation Club website, DVCNews.com

“Fantasmic!” returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 3rd! Back and better than ever, the larger-than-life, open-air nighttime musical will boast live performers, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics, complete with a brand-new show sequence! The new heroes sequence features a high-energy Aladdin chase with stunts never before seen on the “Fantasmic!” stage, a powerful scene with Elsa set to the song “Show Yourself” that is sure to thaw the most frozen of hearts, and stirring moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan. 

Beginning October 26, “Fantasmic!” dining packages for select restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available for performances November 30 and beyond. Packages include an entree and either an appetizer or dessert or one full buffet (where applicable), a non-alcoholic beverage, and a voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved area. Prices are listed below. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Beginning November 1, Tusker House Restaurant will be transitioning to an all-you-care-to-enjoy, buffet style dining experience.  This adventurous spot not only has mouthwatering eats, but Donald Duck and some of his Disney pals have taken a break from their safari adventure to celebrate with guests.

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Kona Cafe will soon be returning from its recent refurbishment. Beginning November 1, this favorite restaurant will reopen with a refreshed experience. The look, feel, and even some flavors of this relaxed café will be different, yet familiar. Kona Cafe will feature American cuisine with that Asian flare that makes it so unique.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hal will open its doors once again on November 4. This dining experience is found at the Norway pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT and gives guests a taste of Norwegian cuisine. Aside from the delicious eats and treats, what makes Akershus Royal Banquet Hall so special is it being home to a unique Storybook Dining featuring the Disney Princesses.

Reservations are available now for both Tusker House Restaurant and Kona Cafe and will be opening up for Akershus Royal Banquet Hall starting October 24. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

WDW Magic and other sources have indicated that several character meet and greets will be cut starting Sunday, October 23. 

Areas impacted so far include Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom, Minnie Mouse at EPCOT International Gateway, and Donald, Daisy, and Max at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It isn't clear how long the meet and greet reductions will be in effect.

Source: WDW Magic

Last episode we told you about the re-opening of Monsieur Paul’s in Epcot with a Prix Fixe menu. We have since found out the price - and it is a doozy. $195 + tax and gratuity.  

Source: Walt Disney World website

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete and Shannon discuss Genie+ price increases at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Resort ticket prices increased as well. Reopening dates have been announced for American Adventure and Monsieur Paul's at EPCOT and Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios. At Disneyland Resort, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is set to open on January 23, 2023. Magic Key Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can purchase MagicBand+ at Disneyland Resort beginning October 19th, a week before the general public. N093

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

At Walt Disney World, Genie+, which was originally a $15 per day charge, will now cost guests between $15 and $22 a day depending on “anticipated demand”.  Rates for specific days have not been provided in advance of the price change. Also, some Individual lightning lanes will also rise - with Rise of Resistance for instance going up to $22 per person. 

Disneyland Resort in California is also seeing increases with the base price of Genie+ going up to $25 a day if you book it with your ticket package, and the individual day price starting at $25 a day but will vary by date by demand, with no listed top price. 

In addition, Disneyland Resort individual and multi-day ticket prices went up as well, with single-day, single-park tickets rising $9 - $15, and hopper tickets going up $15-20. Multi-day tickets also went up between 9 and 12%.  

Web Slingers has been moved from an Individual Lightning Lane attraction to the standard Genie+.

Source: Deadline

As part of the announcement of the start of “100 years of Wonder” celebration at Disneyland resort, it has been announced that Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disneyland will be opening before the rest of Toontown on January 27, 2023.  Previously, the attraction was slated to open with Toontown in Spring 2023.

In addition the announcement continues saying, “Beginning January 27th, the Happiest Place on Earth will receive new platinum-infused décor throughout the resort, new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more.”

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The American Adventure in EPCOT will reopen in mid-December after a nearly three-month refurbishment. The American Adventure closed for refurbishment on September 19th and is currently scheduled to reopen to guests on December 17th.

Source: Blog Mickey

Disney Vacation Club has updated their website to show that reservations are available on select nights within a 60-day rolling calendar. Previously, the event was extended for a month at a time.

Eligible Members with access to Membership Extras—who are staying at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort using their Membership—can book this add-on to their Top of the World Lounge plans daily excluding holidays, and special events. Wicked Wind Down is subject to capacity and is $55.00 per person, plus tax and service fees. Eligible Members should call Member Services to book.

Source: Disney Vacation Club website

One of the last restaurants to re-open at WDW finally has an opening date. Monsieur Paul’s in EPCOT reopens on October 18th. Reservations open on October 13th. The site says: The new prix fixe menu offers a gastronomic meal––one in which people devote themselves to the art of “eating and drinking well.”

There is a menu linked on the website which offers a 6-course meal including amuse bouche, appetizer, fish course, meat course, cheese course, and dessert. Pricing is $195 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Source: Walt Disney World website

Disney announced on October 12th that Fantasmic! is expected to return to Disney's Hollywood Studios in November. While no specific date has been provided, it is expected that it will open prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Source: Blog Mickey

According to the Walt Disney World Website, there are now four sold out Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates: November 8,10,11 and 22nd. So far no dates in December have sold out. 

Source: Walt Disney World website

An e-mail sent out to Magic Key holders and Disney Vacation Club members indicates that Magic Band+ may be purchased starting October 19th, which is a week before the general public. MagicBand+ may be purchased at three locations at Starcade in Disneyland Park, Super Store in Avengers Campus (DCA) and next to the Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney. 

Source: Disney E-mail

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete, Vicky, and Sue discuss the impact of Hurricane Ian in Orlando. Disney also announced Disney After Hours events are returning to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in January 2023. Disney Cruise Line is dropping the vaccine requirement for passengers on upcoming cruises. EPCOT revealed details of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and the full list of celebrity narrators for the Candlelight Processional. N092

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney After Hours events will return to Walt Disney World Resort starting January 2023! These fan-favorite experiences are scheduled to kick off January 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 9 at Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney After Hours are late-night, separately ticketed events that let you enjoy a Walt Disney World theme park for three additional hours after regular park hours, with treats such as ice cream, popcorn and select beverages included. The number of tickets for these events is limited, which means lower wait times and crowd levels.

Event tickets for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be purchased by all guests starting October 7, 2022, with prices ranging from $129 to $159 (plus tax). Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing Disney After Hours tickets as early as October 4. Eligible Disney Vacation Club members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can also purchase specially priced tickets for select dates.

Disney After Hours at Disney Hollywood Studios is scheduled from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM, while the Magic Kingdom event is scheduled from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM. However, ticketholders can enter the park at 7:00 PM, a few hours before the event officially begins.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays has been announced to run from November 25th to December 30th. Celebrity narrators for the Candlelight Processional have also been announced:

• 11/25 – 11/26: Simu Liu (NEW)
• 11/27 – 11/29: Edward James Olmos
• 11/30 – 12/1: Raul Esparza (NEW)
• 12/2 – 12/3: Whoopi Goldberg
• 12/4 – 12/6: Isabella Rossellini
• 12/7 – 12/9: Daymond John (NEW)
• 12/10 – 12/12: Josh Gad (NEW)
• 12/13 – 12/14: Gloria Estefan (NEW)
• 12/15 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris
• 12/19 – 12/20: Mariska Hargitay (NEW)
• 12/21 – 12/23: Cal Ripken Jr.
• 12/24 – 12/26: Marie Osmond
• 12/27 – 12/28: Courtney Vance
• 12/29 – 12/30: Angela Bassett

World Showcase will also offer 16 specialty food booths as well as special treats at other locations around World Showcase. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

For cruises on Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder beginning October 14, full COVID vaccination is not required but highly recommended according to Disney Cruise Line’s website. Unvaccinated passengers aged 5+ must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 2 days of the sail date, through an observed antigen test/lab-based PCR test. Vaccinated guests and children under the age of 5 are not required to test.

The same applies to Disney Magic cruises beginning November 7. The liner will be visiting ports of call in Bermuda and Canada in October, which have their own requirements, though Canada is lifting entry restrictions on October 1.

Source: Cruise Mapper, Disney Cruise Line website

The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on November 8th has sold out.  This is the first party scheduled and the second to sell out.

Source: Walt Disney World website

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete, Vicky, and Sue discuss all the Disneyland news and announcements revealed at the D23 Expo. Magicband+ is also set to debut at Disneyland Resort this fall and Eudora's Chic Boutique has opened in New Orleans Square of Disneyland park. N091

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

During the D23 Expo 2022, Disney announced two new meet and greets will be coming to Disneyland Resort in 2022. Beginning this week for a limited time, the Incredible Hulk will appear in his Quantum Suit inside Avengers Campus. Additionally, the Mandalorian and Grogu will make their first appearance on Batuu at Disneyland park starting in mid-November.

In late January 2023, Disneyland Resort will begin the 100 Years of Wonder celebration. The park will receive new platinum-infused décor, new looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, special food and beverage offerings, and more. Two all-new nighttime spectaculars, “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure park and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland park, will debut in 2023. The “Magic Happens” parade will return in Spring 2023. Disney also announced Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Mickey’s Toontown will open early 2023.

Disney announced Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure will be expanding with a third attraction featuring a brand-new story that will bring guests into battle alongside their favorite Super Heroes. The new concept for this attraction will be an epic family adventure, where guests team up with more of the Avengers and their allies to battle against foes from the multiverse, including King Thanos, a villain designed specifically for Avengers Campus. 

Similar to Walt Disney World, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at the Disneyland Resort in late 2024. 

Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park will be reimagined into San Fransokyo from “Big Hero 6.” Imagineers are in the early phases of this work, but the transformation will include a place to meet Baymax, along with new shops and restaurants.

runDisney races will return to the Disneyland Resort in 2024!  

Previously, Disney announced their plan to reimagine Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with a Pixar theme, which was revealed to be called Pixar Place Hotel. The hotel will include many Pixar touches, including a “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad area.  The Great Maple will open a flagship restaurant on the first floor and operate other food and beverage locations throughout Pixar Place Hotel. This modern American eatery specializes in upscale comfort food with a twist, serving fresh takes on American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In the Downtown Disney District, Disney plans to introduce more than a dozen new and reimagined locations. Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Asian restaurant that originated in Taiwan and specializes in soup dumplings, will join the district with its authentic cuisine. Additionally, Porto’s Bakery and Café, an iconic Southern California destination known across the country for its sweet pastries and desserts, as well as delicious California–Cuban-inspired dishes, will be coming to the Downtown Disney District in the future.

Source: D23 Expo, Disney Parks Blog

This fall, MagicBand+ will make its debut at Disneyland Resort, bringing the wearable technology to the West Coast for the first time! Launched at Walt Disney World Resort earlier this summer, MagicBand+ includes smart features like color-changing LED lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition. When MagicBand+ is paired to a smartphone device through the Disneyland app, it unlocks personalization options such as selecting unique light colors and adjusting the vibration and motion recognition settings.

MagicBand+ features and experiences will vary between Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. MagicBand+ can be connected to theme park tickets or Magic Key passes in the Disneyland app for an easy way to enter the Disneyland Resort theme parks, check in at Lightning Lane entrances, and link Disney PhotoPass photographer photos to your Disney account.

MagicBand+ also adds new, immersive elements and surprises to park experiences. In sync with special moments during select nighttime spectaculars, the band will complement the magic in the skies by pulsing with colorful, dancing lights and vibrations. It will also come to life during “World of Color” in Disney California Adventure park and “Fantasmic!” and select nighttime shows in Disneyland park. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland park will include the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters interactive quest.

It was later announced that at Disneyland Resort, Magicband+ are able to be transferred for a day to another guest. This function is not available at Walt Disney World.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets has opened in the New Orleans Square section of Disneyland park. Tiana, who makes the very best gumbo in town, has collaborated with her talented dressmaker mother Eudora, to open the most fanciful little shop of surprises. Here, one can find accessories to create and serve masterful New Orleans-style cuisine and more. The shop also is home to Eudora’s delightful sense of style.

Source: Blog Mickey

The first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party has sold out on November 10th. This date is the second party of the season and is also the lowest price.

Source: Walt Disney World website

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon and Pete discuss the announcements (or lack thereof) for Disney Vacation Club, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line from the D23 Expo. Disney Vacation Club also revealed a new booking tool through Interval International, replacing the Concierge Collection. Other news of the week include American Adventure at Epcot closing for refurbishment, extended evening hours added in December for Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Wicked Wind Down event extended for a second time. N090

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Vacation Club revealed a sample image of a studio for the upcoming refurbishment at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will open in 2023, while the new Polynesian expansion is slated to open in 2024.

No new announcements for Walt Disney World in 2022 were made.

In 2023, Walt Disney World will begin celebrating Disney's 100 years of Wonder. An updated Happily Every After fireworks show will return to Disney's Magic Kingdom, and TRON Lightcycle / Run will open in spring 2023. The Hatbox Ghost will also be coming to the Haunted Mansion. For Epcot, a replacement for Harmonious was announced to be coming, and Figment will begin to meet guests in late 2023. The Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, is projected to open in late 2023 as well.

More details were also revealed for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, the replacement for Splash Mountain. The reimagined ride is expected to open in late 2024.

For Disney Cruise Line, a new cruise ship Treasure was revealed based on the theme of adventure and is scheduled for delivery in 2024. Disney Cruise Line also shared a sneak peek at new details and concept art for Disney’s second island destination in the Bahamas, located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. The Disney Wonder was announced to be going to Australia and New Zealand for brand-new “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises beginning late October 2023. During the repositioning voyages between Honolulu and Sydney in October 2023 and February 2024, the Disney Wonder will offer the fleet’s first-ever South Pacific itineraries with destinations like Fiji and Samoa. Bookings open to the public on Oct. 6, 2022.

Source: D23 Expo, Disney Parks Blog - WDW, Disney Parks Blog - DCL

From Disney E-mail to members:

“We’re excited to share that Disney Vacation Club® is officially launching a new hotel-booking tool through Interval International®. This new option represents a dramatic expansion of vacation and exchange possibilities, adding even more power to eligible Members points and giving you more vacation options than ever before!

Beginning on September 12th, this online self-service tool will curate a list of properties using a combination of points and cash. Hotel exchange features hundreds and hundreds of well-known hotels from trusted brands in sought-out cities across New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, London and many more! Members can even search available hotels by desired travel dates and destination, filter by brand, and calculate required vacation points.

While the previously offered exchange accommodations through Concierge Collection will no longer be available, most of the luxury resorts that were part of the collection are offered within this new hotel exchange."

Source: Disney Vacation Club email to Members

According to the latest refurbishment calendar, American Adventure at Epcot, an elaborate audio-animatronic show, will close on September 19th. A reopening date is not yet available, with the show remaining closed for the duration of the published calendar through November 6, 2022.

Source: WDW Magic, Walt Disney World Website

Disney's Hollywood Studios has added extra extended evening hours on December 15th and 22nd, which are on Thursdays. These hours are in addition to the normal Epcot and Magic Kingdom extended evening hours. 

Rides scheduled to be open are listed as:

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Toy Story Mania!
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

Source: Walt Disney World Website

Wicked Wind Down at Top of the World Lounge has been extended an additional month, from September 13th to October 12th. This event includes an appetizer, dessert and drink as well as reserved seating for fireworks for $55 each. 

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete and Vicky discuss Disney Vacation Club's exciting announcement of a new Member Lounge coming to Disneyland Resort in 2023! Additionally, Disney Vacation Club has rolled out discounts on three sold-out resorts: Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. N089

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Vacation Club is developing its first Member Lounge at Disneyland Resort in California. The lounge will be called “Disney Vacation Club Star View Station” and is anticipated to open in the first half of 2023. The new lounge will be located in the heart of Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, in the space on the second floor of the Star Wars: Launch Bay building. The sleekly designed “space” will be home to a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Member Services team, as well as plenty of casual seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, device-charging stations and more.

The new lounge will be open daily during scheduled hours to eligible* Disney Vacation Club Members with valid park tickets and reservations to Disneyland Park.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

DVC has reintroduced discounts for three older properties: Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Old Key West and Saratoga Springs currently have a base price of $200 per point while Polynesian is set at $250 per point. The supply of points at these resorts is limited given their "sold out" status. Net prices for Old Key West and Saratoga are on par with Riviera while Polynesian is considerably higher than even Grand Floridian. 

Disney Vacation Club previously revealed plans to build a new tower on the grounds of the Polynesian, but there is no word on whether or not current Polynesian owners will have 11-month booking rights to that new tower.

Source: DVC News

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon and Pete discuss the recent update to Walt Disney World's Park Pass reservation system. Disney Cruise Line announced the return of traditional character greetings. Also, Tusker House Restaurant is returning to a buffet and Fantasmic cast rehearsals have begun at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will receive additional discounts and complimentary magnets this fall. N088

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

On August 23, Disney made some updates within the Park Pass reservation system.

Disney World Guests can now book Park Pass Reservations for all ticket types at the same time, so if you are an Annual Passholder and want to book with friends that have a single day ticket, you can make all the reservations at the same time. 

Another change is that Park Passes will be tied to a ticket and not a guest. This means that guests can have multiple ticket types (eg. Annual Pass, day ticket) and choose which ticket they would like to assign a Park Pass reservation to.

Disney is also increasing the number of tickets that you can reserve from 12 to 30 guests, which should better accommodate larger traveling parties.

And lastly, Guests who wish to make changes to their Park Pass Reservations can now edit the date and Park without having to cancel it first.5

Source: Blog Mickey and Walt Disney World website

Disney Cruise Line announced the return of traditional character meet and greets across the fleet by August 29, 2022. This includes up-close encounters and autographs. In a statement, Disney Cruise Line says the return of traditional character greetings, up-close character greetings, and autographs, has begun across the fleet due to the latest guidance from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and proven success at their land based theme parks.

Source: WDWNT and Disney Cruise Line website

Tusker House has been open serving family style meals, but on November 1st all meals at Tusker House will return to buffet service. No details on menu or change of pricing have been released. 

Also, Fantasmic cast rehearsals have begun, which usually means that there is around 8-12 weeks until the show opens. 

Source: Disney Food Blog and Walt Disney World website; Disney Parks YouTube

From September 14 through October 14, 2022, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can save 30% on most merchandise purchases at Disney owned-and-operated locations throughout Walt Disney World. This represents an increase over the normal 20% discount. 

In order to obtain the discount, buyers must present proof of their Annual Passholder status along with a government issued photo ID. 

So far there is no word on whether or not this offer will be extended to Disney Vacation Club members who also receive a standard 20% discount on the same merchandise purchases. 

In other Passholder news, a new complimentary magnet is set to be distributed later this fall. No word on the design. Passholders will not be required to claim this magnet in person. Instead, magnets will be mailed to all current Annual Passholders. 

The 50th Anniversary Mickey and Minnie Mouse magnet is currently available for pick-up in Walt Disney World now through September 21, 2022, at EPCOT's Creations shop.

Source: DVCNews.com

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete, Vicky, and Jen discuss the new renewal information announced for Disneyland's Magic Keys program, including price increases, blockout dates, and other changes. Disney's Skyliner will be down for maintenance in late January 2023. Disney also announced three tours will return to Walt Disney World's EPCOT in October 2022, including the popular Behind the Seeds tour. N087

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disneyland has finally announced the renewal program for their magic key program, the equivalent of an annual pass in Florida.  Some changes are being made as well as a pretty hefty price increase.

The top tier program “Dream Key” is being replaced with an “Inspire Key”. This pass has a black-out dates from December 21st to January 1st, leaving no passes available for Christmas holidays.  The pass price also went up $200 to $1,599 per person, though photo pass has now been added to all passes and a 20% discount on Genie+ was added to this as well as the “Believe Key”.

The other Key levels remain the same, with the Believe Key price now at $1,099, which is a $150 increase. 

The Enchant Key went up $50 at $699 and Inspire Key for local residents at $449 also went up $50. 

Magic Key first became available on August 21st, 2021 - and renewals began on August 18th, 2021. Key holders will be allowed to renew up to 30 days after the expiration of their pass. 

And this is important -  When you renew, you can choose to stay at your current pass level or choose any other Magic Key that might be better for you. However, note that there will be no new Magic Keys sold at this time, only renewals. AND, due to the popularity of certain keys, any key may sell out at any time. It’s possible that a key may not be available during your renewal period (but you’ll still be able to select another available Key). So essentially you are guaranteed to be allowed to renew - but NOT guaranteed to get the same pass you currently have.

Source: Disneyland Website and Micechat

From January 22-29, 2023, Disney's Skyliner will be unavailable while routine maintenance is performed on the transportation system. 

It is unlikely that the entire Skyliner route will be closed for this 8-day span; rather portions of the line will likely be unavailable for several days while the rest of the system continues to run. 

Since there are three separate spurs, it is likely that one or more of those spurs may be scheduled to close for 2-3 days while the other routes continue to transport guests. The exact maintenance schedule will not be known until closer to January.

Source: Walt Disney World Website, DVCNews

There are three more reasons to visit EPCOT with the return of fan-favorite tours from the Enchanting Extras Collection beginning October 2, adding to and completing the previously announced lineup of highly popular tours returning to Walt Disney World Resort.

Returning tours include the Behind The Seeds tour at Living with the Land: This one-hour walking tour gives you an up-close and personal view of amazing plants, insects and fish throughout four state-of-the-art greenhouses.

Second, with EPCOT Seas Adventures – DiveQuest  guests once again can dive right into this 5.7-million-gallon saltwater environment and immerse themselves into the sea life surrounding the coral reef. This experience offers SCUBA-certified guests guaranteed calm seas, unlimited visibility, no current and incredible marine life.

Finally, EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth, allows guests without SCUBA certification the chance to meet the bottlenose dolphins at The Seas to learn about their complex undersea behavior and talk with the experts who work with them every day.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.